Costa Rica Caribbean Multisport Tour

A 10-day, Inn & Ecolodge-based Hiking, Tree Climbing, Hot Springs, and Horseback Riding Adventure, with options for Sea Kayaking, Snorkeling and Waterfall Rappelling

So you think you’ve seen Costa Rica? Think again! This trip takes us well off-the-beaten tourist path to explore the best true adventure destinations that this amazing country has to offer. Costa Rica, arguably the world’s greatest nature/eco-adventure destination, offers far too much diversity to catch all in one go. But if you only have one visit, then make this one it!

Experience hiking, a zipline canopy tour and a relaxing natural hot springs dip near Costa Rica’s most active volcano – Arenal! If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the spewing lava from this natural wonder. Then, hike to the Caribbean side of the country and experience ‘tree climbing”, horseback riding to an eco-lodge and an intense waterfall hike and rappel. In addition, travel to the south Caribbean beach of Puerto Viejo in the province of Limon, where we experience the local Afro-Carib culture with a community visit, hike through the beautiful Cahuita National Park, and still have time for beach activities such as swimming, snorkeling and optional sea kayaking. Throughout, stay at local, charming accommodations and ecolodges that characterize native taste and comfort – our premier signature!

Day 1. Arrival San Jose, Costa Rica, Hotel Rincon choice for a first rafting trip in Costa Rica. Along the Del Valle (506-2296-1001 / private baths / way, witness lush vegetation and a thick canopy along www.hotelrincondelvalle.com ) the narrow, winding river that is home to toucans, Welcome to Costa Rica! A representative from our local cormorants, kingfishers, howler monkeys, hummingbirds tour operator, Horizontes Nature Tours, will meet you and much more. Enjoy going through fun (but not too upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport crazy!) rapids, interspersed with tranquil pools, and all outside the main terminal. You then transfer to our set amidst a stunning tropical forest backdrop. deluxe hotel in San Jose, conveniently located near downtown, and allow you a bit of time to relax and get Day 3. Arenal Hike to Cerro Chato and La Fortuna acquainted with your new surroundings. Waterfall, Hot Springs Soak, Volcano Lodge This morning, we begin our hiking journey to the Day 2. Welcome Orientation, Transfer to Arenal, summit of Cerro Chato, a great observation point on the Rafting the Sarapiqui River, Volcano Lodge (506- flanks of Arenal Volcano. We trek through a dense 2479-1717 / private bath / www.volcanolodge.com ) primary forest and are welcomed on the top by a After breakfast, meet your guide and have a stunning crystal-clear lagoon. We are rewarded with welcome orientation. We then immediately escape the sensational views of the San Carlos Valley as well as the hustle and bustle of the big city with a transfer to the active Arenal Volcano. renowned (active!) Arenal Volcano and surrounding At the trail’s end we begin our 475 step descent to tropical forest reserve. the bottom of the La Fortuna Waterfall. Spilling 50 feet En route this morning we descend the Atlantic out of the forest to a turquoise pool below, La Fortuna slopes to the lowland rainforests of Sarapiqui. This Waterfall is a spectacular sight to behold. At the bottom region is in Costa Rica’s northern zone and is perhaps you can swim in several refreshing pools before making most famous for its beautiful free-flowing river, which our way back to the Hidalgo Family Hotsprings for a has its origins in clear mountain streams. Time to warm soak in thermal waters and enjoy a delicious experience the Costa Rican feeling of “pura vida”—the dinner in intimate surroundings. (B, L, D) pure life —as you frolic on the river, spot the flash of the Note: This hike requires good physical condition and the blue morpho butterfly and see an abundance of birds. ability to walk on uneven and very steep terrain. We’ll enjoy whitewater rafting on the Class II-III • Cerro Chato & La Fortuna Waterfall hike [strenuous Sarapiqui River, which can be mellow with lower water hiking on primitive trails, 4 - 6.5 hours, 5-6 miles, 1200 ft levels. Adventuresome beginners and experienced rafters elevation gain & loss] alike will enjoy this stunning rainforest river, an excellent • Hidalgo Family Hotsprings

For Reservations and Information call 800-488-8483 or Reserve 24 hours a day at www.TheWorldOutdoors.com Renowned for Extraordinary Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures since 1988 Address: 2840 Wilderness Place, Suite F Boulder, CO 80301 Fax: 303-413-0926 Email: [email protected] for the true adventure seekers, including an option to Day 4. Transfer from Arenal to the Caribbean, canyoneer / rapel through the waterfall. Or choose to Horseback Riding and Tree Climbing, Selva Bananito take a swim in the river instead. The rest of the day is at Lodge (506-2253-8118 / private baths) your leisure. http://www.selvabananito.com Alternatively, for a mellower hike, or if the weather This morning we depart for Selva Bananito Lodge deters us from the above, we enjoy a shorter natural and Preserve, which is located in the mountain range of history hike through other gorgeous portions of primary the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. As our luggage is rainforest within the Selva Bananito Preserve. (B, L, D) transported via 4-wheel drive vehicle, we hop on horses • Bananito River Hike [6 – 8 hours, 12 kilometers round trip to enter the property via scenic roads and trails 300-350 feet elevation gain/loss] Note: This hike After lunch al fresco at the main lodge, we try a new requires good physical condition and the ability to activity - an intro to tree climbing! Learn the ropes of walk on uneven and partly very steep terrain. We how to climb a 30 meter “broccoli” tree using a secure recommend hiking shoes with good grip but can also system of harnesses and ascenders. Climb like an inch supply rubber boots. worm in this full-body activity that allows you to get a • Canyoneering/Rapelling Option; No previous rappelling bird’s eye view of the Lodge and nearby pastures. Pace experience required—additional cost of $40 approx. yourself during your vertical ascent, then stop and hang • Easier option or if Bananito Riverbed hike is out under the treetop for an unparalleled view (Requires cancelled due to rain or unsure weather conditions: no previous tree climbing experience and good physical Natural history hike through Selva Bananito condition.). Preserve [3 hrs.] or horseback riding [3-4 miles] Our home away from home for the next couple of days, Selva Bananito Lodge and Preserve is located at Day 6 Selva Bananito to Cahuita Transfer, Hike the foot of Cerro Muchilla (Muchilla Mountain) which is Cahuita National Park, Optional Beach Activities, part of an eastern outcropping of Costa Rica’s Hotel Suizo Loco ( 506-2755-0349 / private baths) / southernmost mountain range, the Cordillera de (http://www.suizolocolodge.com/en/index.php ) Talamanca, much of which belongs to the enormous This morning we transfer to the Cahuita National Costa Rican/Panamanian La Amistad Biosphere Reserve. Park, on the Caribbean coastline in one of the most This protected zone consists of a core -La Amistad beautiful and scenic regions in Costa Rica. If we are International Park- and several surrounding wildlife and lucky, we experience white-faced and howler monkeys Indian reserves (which also act as wildlife reserves), frolicking near the white sand beaches fringed with adding up to a total of about one million hectares (2.2 endless coconut trees, a calm sea of transparent waters million acres) of uninterrupted, protected land. This and the coral reefs just offshore. “green belt,” which spans southern Costa Rica from east This afternoon, there will be plenty of options for to west, remains the least explored territory in the free/beach time, or to explore this coastal region with country, its biological wealth scarcely studied. optional activities such as surfing, sea kayaking, Enjoy a peaceful and relaxing time here, as each snorkeling, canopy tour, horseback riding, etc. This is a cabin stands on stilts, in traditional Caribbean style and unique part of Costa Rica, where you’ll have a chance to completely in tune with the surrounding environment experience the local Afro-Carib culture and get in touch (and with exceptional views!). Don’t expect electrical with this Caribbean people through visiting town. outlets here, you won’t even miss it in this prime • Selva Bananito – Cahuita transfer [2 hours] example of Costa Rican quality and comfortable • Hike in Cahuita National Park [2-3 hours, 7 kms] simplicity. (B, L, D) • Optional Activities [half day, some at extra cost up to $50] • Arenal to Selva Bananito transfer [4 hours] • Horseback ride to Lodge [2 hours] Day 7. Free Day with many optional activities, Hotel • Tree Climbing [2 hours] Suizo Loco • Other options: short hikes around hotel property Today is yours to enjoy as you please. Optional activities (and costs) include: Day 5. River Hike and Optional Waterfall Rappel, Punta Uva Sea Kayak $ 55 per person approx. Selva Bananito Lodge Cahuita Snorkeling + hike $ 55 per person approx. Today is one of our more physically demanding Rafting Pacuare River $ 100 per person approx. potions of our tour, as we take an unforgettable journey Down the road a few minutes is the bustling beach up the Bananito riverbed and into the surrounding community of Puerto Viejo de Limón, well worth a visit. rainforest (weather pending). While hiking upstream we make over 60 river crossings, learn about the various Day 8. Transfer from Puerto Viejo de Limón to San micro-climates, and jump in the plentiful river pools. Jose, Parque del Lago Visit a 600 year-old mahogany tree and learn more about This morning take your time and enjoy a bit of last rainforest ecology. After rappelling down our 80-foot minute beach activities or relaxation along the Caribbean waterfall (optional), our guides provide a delicious coast. At mid-day, we begin our return back to San Jose. trailside lunch. This is an adrenaline-packed expedition and enjoy a farewell dinner For Reservations and Information call 800-488-8483 or Reserve 24 hours a day at www.TheWorldOutdoors.com Renowned for Extraordinary Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures since 1988 Address: 2840 Wilderness Place, Suite F Boulder, CO 80301 Fax: 303-413-0926 Email: [email protected] • San Jose Transfer [4-5 hrs.] 45 minutes) to Sierpe and board the boat for about 90 minutes to the hotel. En route, cross the Sierpe mouth, an Day 9. Airport Transfer, Trip Conclusion exciting part of the adventure itself! Casa Corcovado This morning we provide a local transfer to the San Jungle Lodge,tucked away in the trees and cooled by the Jose International Airport for your flight back to the US, Pacific Ocean, is a 170 acre private reserve bordering and say “hasta luego”, until we meet again on another Corcovado National Park. Carefully designed and built incredible The World Outdoors Adventure! by an American naturalist with over twenty-five years of local experience. This unique lodge offers accommodations constructed with the highest concern Osa Peninsula Extension: for conservation in harmony with the landscape and the environment. Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge provides the Day 1. Domestic Airport Transfer, Scenic Flight to ideal base for your in-depth rainforest and ocean Osa Peninsula, Transfer to Lapa Rios Rainforest experience Ecolodge ( www.laparios.com 506 - 2735-5130 / private • Flight and hotel transfer, hotel activities • bath) or Casa Corcovado ( www.casacorcovado.com / Note: this portion of the tour is arranged through the 506-2256-3181 reservations office / private bath) resort, including daily activities, so there will not be an additional outfitter guide. After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the local airport to take a scenic flight to Puerto Jimenez via San Days 2-3. Osa Peninsula Activities, Lapa Rios Jose (Lapa Rios) or Palma Sur (Corcovado) and the Rainforest Ecolodge or Casa Corcovado world-renowned Osa Peninsula. The Osa Peninsula and Today experience the best that the Osa Peninsula has associated Corcovado National Park offers the wildest, to offer with a full day of optional activity (or most remote and intact natural treasure in Costa Rica, if inactivity!). Options are focused around the rainforest not throughout Central America. and the nearby Ocean. Rainforest hikes, bird watching, Upon arrival a transport from the hotel will take you ocean kayaking, horseback riding, diving, catch and to Lapa Rios Rainforest Ecolodge. Lapa Rios, reputedly release sport fishing and surfing are some of the the best ecolodge in the Osa Peninsula, was built with activities offered. Or, get a relaxing massage, participate views, comfort and environmental sensitivity in mind. in yoga classes, relax at the pool with a tropical cocktail Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of or just take a nap in a hammock and maybe observe the Central America's last remaining lowland tropical birds, monkeys and other animals that come by. Tours to rainforest, Lapa Rios overlooks the pristine point where the nearby Corcovado National Park are also available. the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean, making it (B, L, D) the destination that matches every one's idea of paradise. • Optional Activities [Additional Cost. Pay Hotel Directly] Hotel Activities (Meals: B, L, D) Alternatively, Casa Corcovado is a superb jungle Day 4. Flight to San Jose, Transfer to Airport, Trip lodge on the Drake Bay side of the Osa Peninsula Conclusion (closest to Corcovado National Park!). You’ll fly to the town of Palmar Sur, then take a ground transfer (about

Tour Details Trip Type: Inn and Ecolodge Trip Length: 9 days/8 nights 2012 Departure Dates: July 27-August 4 (singles), November 9-17 2013 Departure Dates: March 16-24, July 27-August 4 (singles), November 9-17 Price: $1998 (additional $250 per person for total group size of 3; additional $750 per person for a total group size of just 2) Single Supplement: $850 Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios or Casa Corcovado Extension: Call for quote Group Size: Minimum 2 – Maximum 14 Trip Rating: Moderately Easy Activities: hike, rafting, tree climbing, horseback ride, beach time/optional activities, hot springs Gateway City: San Jose, Costa Rica

The Next Step… References Don’t take our word for it that The World Outdoors trips are the finest in the adventure travel industry. Ask our past guests. Call about any of our trips and we’ll be happy to refer you to someone who’s been there with us. The Best Value in Active Travel Guarantee : We commit to you that all of our trips are of the highest quality at the best value. If you find a trip of equal quality that matches our itinerary and inclusions at a lower fare within 30 days of booking your trip with us, we will gladly refund the difference. A simple guarantee that assures you of the best trip at the best fare! How do I join this trip? Call The World Outdoors at (800) 488-8483 and a Trip Consultant will reserve your space(s) or register online at www.TheWorldOutdoors.com. Your travel agent can also book your trip at no extra cost and provide other helpful assistance. Special Requests : If you have any special dietary needs or any special request that will make your trip more enjoyable, please be sure to notify your Trip Consultant or travel agent upon booking. Then Leave the Rest to Us... Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including your reservation payment receipt and confirmation, travel insurance application, suggestions for preparing for your trip, a packing list, information on pre- and post-trip arrangements, a guest questionnaire and a liability release agreement. Travel Protection : To make your trip with The World Outdoors even more carefree, we strongly recommend the purchase of our travel insurance plan. Offering comprehensive coverage and peace of mind, our travel insurance plan is designed to protect you in case of lost or damaged luggage, a sudden illness or death in the family, emergency medical expenses and transportation costs, and flight delays. We’d be happy to arrange travel insurance coverage for you, so contact us at (800) 488-8483 with any questions. How do I book airfare for this trip? Call our in-house travel agent, Sherry Marriner, at 800-488-8483 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time Monday through Friday or you can email her at [email protected] . Sherry is also available to assist you with pre- and post-lodging needs. If Sherry is unavailable and your needs are urgent, please call Frosch Travel, a local travel agency, at 800-538-7461 and ask for Georgia (ext 251) or email her at [email protected] . Be sure to tell her you are traveling with The World Outdoors. Alternatively, you are welcome to book your airfare online, directly with the airline or through your personal travel agent.

General Information, Questions & Answers What weather conditions can I expect? Costa Rica has a subtropical climate with average daytime temperatures between 68-90 °F. The "Green" or rainy season normally runs from May through November, while the dry season extends from December through April. You can expect to have periods of rain during the dry season and, also, dry periods during the rainy season. Year round, the sun rises at approximately 5:00 a.m. and sets at approximately 5:30 p.m. Costa Rica has great weather and is a fun place to visit year round. How difficult is this trip...really ? No experience is required for any activity, but this is an action-oriented trip. This tour is a little hilly and more challenging than our easy tours. Intended for the average active adult who feels comfortable being active 4-6 hours a day. Tour Operator : The World Outdoors operates this adventure through a Costa Rican tour operator, Horizontes Nature Tours, based in San Jose. All tours will include a driver and a bilingual guide specializing in regional biology, history and geology. A tour representative will be your escort both to and from the San Jose International Airport on Days 1 and 9. Visa and Passport Information : A passport with an expiration date that is at least 90 days after your arrival date is required for travel to Costa Rica. No other visas or shots are required. Check-in for international flights to and from Costa Rica is usually three hours before departure. Valuable items such as camera equipment or binoculars and essentials such as prescription medications should always be hand carried on all flights to avoid loss or damage. Checked luggage should be locked and properly labeled.